Description
Environmental tobacco smoke is to exposure to toxins generated by the burning of tobacco. It's a combination of more than 4000 chemicals in the form of particles and gases, many of which are toxic, irritants or carcinogens.
Sources
Cigarette smoke, pipe and cigars.
Legislation/Standards
There are no restrictions on smoking in the House, while the following laws exist for public places and workplaces:
- Law n.3 of the 16/01/03, art. 51, Protection of the health of non-smokers, in force since 10/01/2005: Prohibition to smoke in closed rooms except for private ones not open to users or to the public, and those reserved for smokers and as such marked ((the ban is absolute in schools and hospitals) and establishes more severe penalties if you smoke in the presence of children and pregnant women.
Health effects
The most immediate effects of ETS exposure are irritation of eyes and nose, headache, dry throat, dizziness, nausea, coughing and other breathing problems. Also results in an increased risk of ischemic diseases, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. It is responsible for respiratory diseases of childhood (otitis, asthma, bronchopneumonia) The smoke of pregnant women, or exposure to secondhand smoke causes a significant reduction in birth weight, is associated with the sudden deaths of newborn (SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and it has serious consequences for the development of respiratory function of children.
Control measures
Avoid smoking in confined environments and still provide adequate ventilation. Do not smoke around children and pregnant women. No smoking inside cars, especially if there are children.